​When that piece of jewelry you want exists in your mind and hopes and dreams, and not on a shelf in a mall jewelry store, treat yourself to a hidden gem in downtown Sunnyvale: Goldfields’ Jewelers.

The small space is more artisan studio than store: unlike retail jewelry shops, you won’t find cases of shiny baubles and rows of rings. Instead, you are most likely to find owner Steve Chang with a pair of jewelers magnifying glasses pushed up on his head. Perhaps a chain or a ring he’s working on. Maybe the hand-sculpted form of a ring he is designing.

For many, it’s the best place to bring watches for batteries and jewelry in need of repairs. Others come because Steve is a knowledgeable appraiser. But for more than 35 years, Steve’s joy has been designing and creating jewelry.

He recognized early in life that he had talent in his hands. His parents were both jewelers, and he fell in love with the craft of working with precious stones and metals while he was still in high school. He went to work at Goldfields’ in 1988 and bought the store in 2001.

Custom creations are a personal passion

Ask to see pictures of work Steve has done and you’ll discover a world of wedding and engagement rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings and more. You’ll see beautifully set sapphires, diamonds and rubies. Intricate work done in gold, silver or platinum.

​The store’s display cases may be lacking typical mass-market offerings, but his photos tell stories of people’s lives: their loves, their losses, their hopes, and on occasion, their sense of style or whimsy. He’s crafted a pair of earrings to look like California bears and a ring in an elegant 17th century setting.

“Most jewelers don’t like custom orders,” he says, explaining what it means that he is an artisan, craftsman and goldsmith. “Custom work is time consuming and requires patience, talent and artistic ability. But it’s my passion.”

Leigh’s Favorite Books is a book-lovers haven, brimming with titles from economics to science and from parenting to cats. There is also an eclectic assortment of gifts. “If I see something that puts a smile on my face, or especially if it gets a good chuckle,” says owner Leigh Odum,“ there’s a good chance you’ll find it in the store.”​All this plus a staff of book people who love books and discuss them intelligently.Young Ignorance Led to a Winning StrategyLeigh opened the store in 2004, a fulfillment of her background in urban planning/small business and supported by a dream she and her husband had to be part of a thriving community. In their 20’s, they were undaunted by the challenges of a new business, and “were full of bravado and confidence.”

12 years later, her business, her dream, and the result of what she calls “young ignorance,” have thrived, bolstered by three key commitments:

Know your customer, listen to your customer. Each book is selected to appeal to people who live and work in Sunnyvale – curious, educated, urban, often inclined toward thought-based books or science and math. “We hand pick every book. Yes. Every book.”

Shopping is entertainment. At times you want a quick trip via computer, but if you love to read, book buying should be fun. Browsing titles and exploring what’s available is wonderful. Talking to others who love books is even better.

Shopping in small local businesses is crucial to a community’s quality of life. “We have an active and vibrant downtown in Sunnyvale, with a diverse selection of shops and restaurants. When you eat and shop here, you support the tax base, you support the services that make your home more valuable, and you provide employment to your neighbors, their kids and their parents.”

Quality Service Extends to PriceLeigh applies customer service to pricing too. Most popular titles are at least 20% off and, for many books, you get a coupon for 50% credit to trade-in the book.

Leigh explains it is great for people who have limited space, or who appreciate saving money on their next read. “ Let’s see you walk into Amazon and say, ‘OK, I’m finished with this. Give me a 50% credit for my next purchase.’”

So, the next time you are ready to take a trip in the wonderful world of books, stop by Leigh's Favorite Books, 121 S. Murphy Ave or online at www.leighsbooks.com.